Here are a few tips to make every party you give a success, no matter what the theme.

1) One person is needed to motivate your party guests to have fun. Pick an extroverted, fun-loving person to take charge of all the games and activities. Enlist the help of a family member, friend, or neighbor if your personality makes it uncomfortable to take on such a role. If possible put yourself in this role, and you will have a great time and will probably be very surprised how good you are at this task.

2) Decide how much of your party will be homemade versus store-bought. If you love to design your own decorations, props and costumes, have fun. If you prefer to purchase a "party in a box," go for it. Most of us choose a combination of the two methods. If you are unsure of your abilities, or have little time, there are professionals who can supply you with everything you need.

3) Pick colors for decorating that are appropriate to your theme and use them throughout. Fun colors, bright colors, happy colors have their place as well as soft pastels, or more subdued tones. The important thing is that you continue their use throughout the party and that you enjoy the way they look.

4) A theme keeps your party easy to plan since many choices are logical due to what is appropriate to your desired outcome. Many choices are made for you already the minute you pick a theme. You can still personalize your party by special little touches, variations of colors, and creative details.

5) For best results, preplan all party details including trying out the games ahead of time to make sure they will run smoothly. Check games and activities for safety.

6) Gather all supplies to make your costumes and settings as far in advanced as possible. Try on costumes to determine if they look the way you want them to and allow for freedom of movement. Check costumes and setting props for safety.

7) Buy all non-perishable party items, foods, and supplies well in advance. Buy your perishable items as close as possible to the party time to avoid storing large quantities of food that needs cooling or freezing.

8) Check to see that you have enough seating, table space, and room for planned activities. Decide where guests will put their coats, boots etc. and arrange a table or special place for the cards and gifts to be placed.

9) Make sure your camera is in working order and you have fresh film and batteries before the start of the party.

10) Gather all costumes, props, game stuff, music, and supplies early the day of the party so you have time to find something you forgot.

11) Plan menu as soon as you decide upon a theme. Send out invitations about two weeks in advance, theme weddings can be sent out earlier. Write up a grocery list when you know how many guests you will be serving

12) Keep a party notebook full of lists, notes, and anything you will be referring to for costume or setting. It should include the main theme ideas and those for settings and costumes. Add to this notebook your invitation information, number of guests, names, phone numbers and addresses for the guests you invite. Also include menus and shopping lists for groceries and other supplies. Put in any game or activity plans and information. Include recipes, resources, pictures etc. used to plan the party.

13) Plan a party well in advance. This way you can take advantage of party goods bargains when you see them. You may also search second hand stores, flea markets, and garage sales for costume gems and props to make your party come alive.

© Copyright 2000

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel